Burtonverse's Riddler Joins Batman: Revolution Sequel

Tim Burton's iconic Batman universe expands once more with Batman: Resurrection, a new novel by John Jackson Miller, published by Penguin Random House. This book introduces the Burton-verse's interpretation of The Riddler, and is available for pre-order on Amazon.

As revealed by ComicBook.com, Batman: Revolution follows 2024's Batman: Resurrection, also penned by Miller. Both novels are set between the events of 1989's Batman and 1992's Batman Returns, drawing inspiration from Burton's unrealized third Batman film, which was to feature Robin Williams as The Riddler.

Here's the official summary for Batman: Revolution:

It’s summer in Gotham, and a city-wide celebration is underway. The Joker's lingering threat has finally subsided, paving the way for a massive Fourth of July event orchestrated by the mayor and retail magnate Max Shreck. Yet, beneath the surface of festive cheer, shadows lurk. Batman's relentless vigilance continues as gang warfare and masked criminals escalate. Simultaneously, protests erupt against the city's extravagant displays of wealth.

At the heart of this conflict is Norman Pinkus, a humble copy boy at the Gotham Globe, secretly the mastermind behind the newspaper's popular "Riddle Me This" puzzles. Unbeknownst to all, Norman is Gotham's most brilliant mind, anonymously solving crimes through the police tip line—often before Batman even becomes aware of them.

While unrecognized and unappreciated, Norman's unwavering belief in Gotham's potential falters. Witnessing the city's leaders constantly looking towards Batman for salvation, he devises a plan. With the aid of dangerous allies, he exploits the simmering tensions of a hot summer to lure the Dark Knight into a volatile game of riddles, aiming to reveal Gotham's true savior. This clash between Norman—now The Riddler—and Batman unearths hidden secrets of Gotham's past, with potentially devastating consequences for its future.

Batman: Revolution will be released on October 28, 2025. Pre-order your copy on Amazon.

Batman '89: Echoes & Superman '78: The Metal Curtain Cover Gallery

DC Comics continues to expand the Burton-verse, having published Batman '89, a sequel to Returns featuring a Billy Dee Williams-inspired Two-Face and a Marlon Wayans-inspired Robin, followed by Batman '89: Echoes, introducing a Jeff Goldblum-inspired Scarecrow and a Madonna-inspired Harley Quinn. They've also released two volumes of Superman '78, serving as sequels to the Christopher Reeve Superman films.

For more on Burton's Batman 3 and other canceled DC projects, explore the list of DC movies that never launched.